Fledgling Sparrow

[Nicobeak]

Hi
I found a fledgling sparrow in the mouth of my Leonberger!! It has some missing feathers, but as far as I can see at the moment, no other injuries. I am giving it a bit of time in a box to recover from the shock, but will cat biscuits be the right thing to try to feed it? The parents are still around, in fact it was the parents that alerted me to the fact that the dog had the bird, but I suspect it won't be able to fly with damaged feathers. We also have 5 cats who are supreme hunters, so without the ability to protect it from them, I am reluctant to put it outside even though I know it would be the best thing for the parents to feed it.
Any advice helpful.

[Pipa]

Originally Posted by Nicobeak

Hi
I found a fledgling sparrow in the mouth of my Leonberger!! It has some missing feathers, but as far as I can see at the moment, no other injuries. I am giving it a bit of time in a box to recover from the shock, but will cat biscuits be the right thing to try to feed it? The parents are still around, in fact it was the parents that alerted me to the fact that the dog had the bird, but I suspect it won't be able to fly with damaged feathers. We also have 5 cats who are supreme hunters, so without the ability to protect it from them, I am reluctant to put it outside even though I know it would be the best thing for the parents to feed it.
Any advice helpful.

i would give it cat meat instead (but not fish flavour/type)
if you do give it cat biscuits, make sure you soak them well in water before you feed it any, otherwise they will swell in it's tummy and cause it harm,

[Pipa]

here is quote i got from the RSPB website for you - (obviously the part about attracting other birds is not important since u have it indoors)

Meaty tinned dog and cat food form an acceptable substitute to earthworms during the warm, dry part of the summer when worms are beyond the birds' reach. Blackbirds readily take dog food, and even feed it to their chicks.

Dry biscuits are not recommended as birds may choke on the hard lumps. It is sometimes added to cheaper seed mixtures for bulk. Soaked dog biscuit is excellent, except in hot weather as it quickly dries out. Petfood can attract larger birds such as magpies and gulls, and also neighbourhood cats. If this is likely to be a problem, it is best avoided.

[Nicobeak]

Thanks Pipa for advice........can't get it to eat anything at the moment but will keepp trying periodically.

[Pipa]

Originally Posted by Nicobeak

Thanks Pipa for advice........can't get it to eat anything at the moment but will keepp trying periodically.

good luck hope the little guy makes it keep us posted on how he goes,